While the outcome of the obstacle course frustrated the male, Chinook chose to ignore it. He couldn't have won, but at least he may have come second. It would have reflected his agility and swiftness, and perhaps swayed some opinions when it came to him.

"Chinook, you'll do fine," his father spoke, interrupting his thoughts as the dueling matches was announced. "We've practiced this. You know how to move with your body and come into tune with it. This won't be very difficult." Kol attempted to put confidence in his son, especially considering how the past challenges had turned out. "You don't have to win, simply put up a fight. Try to impress everyone with your skills." Chinook nodded, absorbing his father's words. He could do that. He could play it out and make a fight last.

"Shh, son, listen to who your partner is," his father suddenly said just as Chinook was about to speak. Kol motioned to the King, causing Chinook to turn and focus upon him.

"Colm and Kol's son."

From the corner of his eye, he saw his father's face turn into a frown, Chinook's own dropping from an easy expression to a somber one. The King himself refused to say Chinook's name, as if he didn't deserve any respect or kindness. What had he ever done to receive his hatred from everyone? Was it because he did not fulfill standards? His own father was proud of him. Why was it so difficult for others to be as well? To make matters even worse, he was paired with Colm.

Glancing towards the doberman, he noted Colm's face already turned his way, a sick smile dancing around his features. Chinook had felt something form in his stomach. It was the same feeling he got when he was in a high place. Dread, maybe? Stress? All of his hope deteriorating?

Worried, the canine glanced to the Queen now, listening to the rules and nodding to himself, making mental notes. "Your entire body is essential and can assist you, remember that." Kol turned his head as the other contestants had begun approaching their partners, each a few meters away from the other pairs to offer room for a proper fight. There would be no fighting one at a time, but all at once. "I guess I should go now, huh?" Chinook said, glancing at Colm before turning to his father, who nodded. "Look prideful," he reminded him, making Chinook automatically lift his head higher as he began to walk off.

"Use my whole body," he mumbled to himself, Colm's body slowly growing larger as he approached. Chinook was the only one walking. Colm simply stood, expecting him to be approached.

"Lucky me." He said when Chinook arrived, words dripping with sarcasm and menace. "Hi, Colm," replied Chinook, attempting to come off as kind. The doberman stood, giving Chinook a once-over. "I have to admit, it will be fun humiliating you even more in front of everyone. The King, the Queen, the Princess, your father. Well, humiliating you more anyways. You do a marvelous job of it yourself, but when I'm through with you, well, it'll be over for your reputation."

"What do you have against me?" He suddenly asked, trying to sound forceful, but his voice cracking in the process. He felt uneasy in the doberman's presence.

Colm studied Chinook for a moment before smiling. "You bother me."

Opening his mouth, Chinook was forced to snap it shut as the presenter approached.

Colm didn't like him because he bothered him? Impossible. There had to be more to it, or was he simply that unlikable?

"Contestants, you should now be with your partners." The presenter spoke, assessing everyone before proceeding. "At this point, you will turn to face your partner's on opposite ends." He silenced, allowing the competitors to do so. "You will now take three steps back exactly." The others listened. "Three steps back," the presenter repeated, watching Chinook, who had accidentally taken four.

He dipped his head apologetically, hearing Colm snicker.

"Remember, the word 'when' may be said if an opponant wishes to abruptly stop. In this case, both must stop sparring and step back. The one who uses that word ultimately loses. Now, you will begin dueling on my count. "

"One.."

"Two.."

"Three!"

Sounds of others growling could be heard immediately, but he and Colm? Well, they were currently circling one another, each one waiting for the other to move first. Chinook observed, assessing his body and playing out different moves in his head. He had done this hundreds of times. He could do it another. Slowly, they watched, the air thickening as they remained circling.

He was patient, and judging by Colm, he wanted him to make the first move. Then again, Colm was good at mind games. Regardless, Chinook refused, until the doberman released a deep growl and charged. The canine saw it coming, managing to dodge Colm's attack slightly, but still managed to receive a small blow to his side. Grunting, Chinook brushed it off, whipping around immediately, Chinook had the advantage, as Colm was still turned.

Using his hind legs, he twisted his body and sharply turned, pounding his shoulder into Colm's hind legs, causing them to give out. "You'll regret that," he hissed, picking himself up immediately, and lunging at Chinook, who used his speed to side-step. Colm paused, realizing he dodged and suddenly snarled, baring his teeth. "When will you stop trying? You'll never amount to anything. What, you think that you'll be better than Kol? Please, you're nothing more than a commoner. In fact, I think I saw some resemblance the other day in a passerby. Maybe ask mommy dearest." Colm snapped, his teeth clicking near Chinook's ear, who had stumbled back at the sudden movement.

Suddenly, it clicked for him.

"You're intimidated by me," he spoke, the two circling one another once more. "That's why you target me. You're afraid that I'll be better than you." Colm only chuckled, shaking his head. "The day I'm intimidated by you is the day I've finally lost it. I feel bad for you, Chinook. You try so hard and where does it get you? You're not Kol's son, you're a nothing. The sooner you face that the better." Chinook only shook his head, but something within him felt.. Angry? "Why target me then? Why single me out? Not Enid, Duane, Avon, not any of them, but me?"

Colm, shrugged. "You don't realize how much everybody despises you, do you? How they wish they wouldn't have to see you at all. I'm simply trying to fulfill the wishes of the people." That one hit hard, Chinook had to admit, but the anger within him only built to the point where he used it to propell himself forwards, crashing against Colm.

The two toppled to the ground, battling it out and giving one another blows. Colm was now on top of him. "I'm going to win, and you're holding me back," he hissed at him, drool dripping and falling onto Chinook, so he did what anyone else would do in his position. He used his hind legs to throw him off.

Hopping onto his paws, the canine stood over Colm, preparing to put him into a position that would allow him to win, but he paused. "Alright, alright," he heard Colm say, which had made Chinook stop. "I admit, I'm jealous of you. You're father is Kol, how could I not be," he sighed with sadness, lying against the ground. "You have everything you've ever wanted. You can do anything you want. And I think.. I think I'm bleeding on my head.." Chinook only watched, blinking. "I'm not perfect, Colm. Far from it.." he paused, approaching the doberman. "Where did you say you were bleeding?" Lowering his head, he inspected Colm's head, passing over his eyes, which had suddenly turned dark.

"You're pathetic." Colm said, causing Chinook's gaze to grow confused. Before he knew it, Colm had used his paw to swipe at his eyes, causing Chinook to stumble back with a yelp, pawing at them. "What did you do?" He asked, managing to open them just in time to see Colm mid-air. Feeling himself connect with the ground, Chinook battled with his paws, attempting to get Colm off of him, but the doberman refused to come off. Chinook couldn't even use his hind legs, as Colm had learned from the first time to pin them down with his own.

"Never make me look bad again in front of everyone. Do you understand me?" Then, Colm did something unexpected. He peeled back his lips, and sunk them into Chinook's shoulder. "You made me look pathetic and weak. You put me in a very bad situation," he mumbled between his fur. Releasing a groan, Chinook struggled under the weight of the doberman, managing to nudging him off. "When," he mumbled, wincing.

Just as he managed to get onto his feet, he was forced back down, feeling a sharp pain in his side.

"I'm tired of you. God, why won't you give up already?" Now, there was sharp pain all over as Colm's claws and teeth continued to inflict injuries. Chinook struggled to stand, managing to crawl away slightly before being slightly thrown to the side a foot away. "When," Chinook repeated, this time, louder.

Colm didn't stop.

He continued, tossing Chinook around like a ragdoll, snarling and sinking his teeth here and there. "When, I said when!" He practically yelled, attempting to use his paws to dodge anymore attacks. "Get off of me!" Chinook growled, Colm only aiming for his face now, knocking his muzzle to the side. "Do you think anyone cares enough to stop me? If so, why hasn't anyone done anything yet? Easy, nobody cares about you." Eyes widening, the canine raised his paw, swiping it across Colm's face, drawing a bit of blood.

Slowly, the doberman turned back to Chinook. "Did you just.. Scar my face? You keep making me look bad. You just won't stop, will you?" Eye twitching, Colm stared down at Chinook, pinning him down. "You won, Colm! You won! See? You pinned me down!" He said, nodding his head, only to feel something connect with his face. Colm didn't stop. Didn't make a move to stop. No, he continued, using all of his force to bruise and draw blood on Chinook.

"Somebody get him off of my son!" He heard in the distance, but Chinook didn't pay much attention. As of now, he was curled up in a ball, trying to minimize the injuries he was receiving and hiding his neck, face, and underbelly.

All that could be heard from Chinook was a series of 'whens' being muttered.

[ Eneida ]

The Princess felt something shift in the air the moment the competitors stepped into the makeshift ring. Something was different. Something had changed. It wasn't the appearance of the Knight among them, they'd been fine when Anex had first stepped up, so what had done it?

Her eyes jumped to Chinook, taking in his form and that of his competitor, Colm. There was a rivalry there. Something made the others dislike Chinook, and it was going to ruin him in this competition, she could feel it. Something would spark the final flames of anger or hatred, and someone would get hurt. She could only pray that it wasn't Chinook, and that it was one of the other dogs, despite the fact that they all seemed to be friends and excluded the husky mix.

It wasn't too long into the fights that things turned viscious.

Colm had Chinook pinned, and she was watching for only a moment when she saw the doberman sink his teeth into the latters shoulder. Stones plummeted to her stomach, weighing it down with a nawing anxiety. She couldn't step in, she couldn't help, she couldn't save him unless he surrendered and-

When, I said when!

There it was.

"Someone get between them!" She barked, snapping her head towards Anex, only to see the tanned Great Dane had paused his own spar and was looking at her father. "Anex!" The males name brought his attention to her, and she bared her teeth with all the authority she could muster. "Get between Chinook and Colm! Now!"

"No."

The King's words stilled all movement except for Chinook and Colm, brought everyone to a standstill as they stopped and stared. No? No?

"What do you mean 'no'?" Her words were loud and accusatory. "Stop this nonsense or I'll do it myself!"

"I'd like to see you try." A challenging glint entered her father's eyes, something that dared her to disobey. She had never been one to back down from a challenge, and so she nodded, descending from the raised platform of the monarchs and making her way into the ring.

"Get out of my way," she snarled at those blocking her path, watching them part to give her a clear way into the arena. Good. Great. Fantastic.

"Colm!" She barked the dobermans name only once, and uttered a noise of irritation when she went ignored. She'd been right to never consider the male as guard material. If he got this lost in his head on a regular basis, what good was he to her? Absolutely none.

Once inside the arena, Eneida broke out into a run, shooting towards the still-fighting pair at dizzying speeds. She dropped her shoulder, smashing directly into the doberman and sending him skittering away. Her own body bounced back a bit, jarred from the sudden stop and collision. She bared her teeth at the large dog, eyes widening when he turned on her without really looking.

His teeth sank into the fur between her shoulder and neck, claws scratching into her leg. Really, it didn't hurt too much. Definitely enough for her to grit and bear. But, born as an actress, Eneida played it up. She tipped her head slightly, yelping loudly and feigning desperate struggles to push the male off. He dropped her, glaring down at who he thought had just been a Knight or guard, and she could never describe the joy she felt as she watched the horror light up across his face.

Her yelp was all the indicating that Lothair, Yorath and Chidike had needed to send them bolting across the arena, smashing into Colm and pushing him to the ground. She lifted her injured leg off of the ground, seeing her mother coming trotting towards her, her father not having moved. The ginger and white husky fretted over her wounds, muttering about how brave she was. In the mean time, Eneida met her father's stare and said:

"I want Colm disqualified."

Gasps came from the crowd, and the King only tilted his head.

"I have no use for a guard that will get so lost in his head during fights that he may kill an innocent civilian. I have no need for a guard that will not listen to me. I have no need for a guard that will attack me if I stop him from committing murder. I want him disqualified and trialled for his crimes of assault and attempted murder."

"Attempted murder?" The King echoed.

"He would have killed Chinook if I hadn't stepped in, Father."

The King paused for a moment, a frown on his face whilst he considered what she'd said. Slowly, he sighed, nodding.

"Seize him. He is disqualified and will be trialled at a later date. Kol's son will be seen by a doctor after the competition."

"You'll be fine, son. Scars will make you look tougher." Kol attempted to make light of the situation, introducing a positive side to what had just transpired. "You'll definitely be more intimidating, that's for sure." Smiling, the darker knight circled around Chinook, ensuring that no wound was too deep and would bleed out. If it was, then he'd need immediate attention.

When satisfied with the results, Kol paused before Chinook, standing. Then, a darkened look crossed his features as he turned to Colm before he was dragged off. "In all my years, I have never witnessed anything like this. You, boy, do not have what it takes to be a knight, never mind a royal guard." They were simple words, but ones that had the potential to sting, especially if one had trained to become a guard for their entire lives.

Shaking his head, disappointment formed upon Kol's face before turning back to Chinook, and then, to Eneida, dipping his head to her and the Queen. "Please accept my deepest gratitude. I cannot thank you enough for taking action." Something wavered in Kol's voice, but Chinook wasn't sure what. Fear? Worry? "And you, son.." his father released a sigh. "You'll be just fine." Smiling softly, Chinook only grew more confused. His father always spoke in odd sentences at times, ones that he was never able to understand. It was as if he were offering hints to something. Only he didn't know what.

However, his attention didn't focus upon his father for long. Now, his eyes were on Eneida's, an immediate smile upon his muzzle. "I remember quite well. Wind and Soul," he repeated, chuckling lightly before his smile, too, fell. Chinook shifted, eyes leaving Eneida's for moment to glance at the King. "You don't need to apologize, Eneida." Pausing, he glanced at her for a moment, as if forgetting about her title. "I should be apologizing. You got hurt, even if minor. You shouldn't have had to intervene." Chinook should have handled it. He should have fought more.. Fought harder. Then again, he had long ago accepted that he was simply unlucky.

Eyes snapping back onto Eneida, he took it as a moment to glance at his own body when she mentioned his wounds. "I don't really feel them if I'm being honest," he said, smiling weakly. He still felt adrenaline at the moment, and Chinook refused to move his body. "I'm sure I'll feel it soon though." Blinking, he shrugged, then glancing at the Queen, dipping his head to her like his father had done. Would it be bad to say that he hadn't noticed her until now, his attention being only on Eneida?

Eyeing the mother and daughter, Chinook listened to what they had to say before watching the Queen walk off towards the King. "Thank you, Princess," he spoke, appreciated etched in his tone. "You've been defending me this entire competition." Why, Chinook still didn't know, but he wasn't complaining. "It's nice to have somebody on my side." Pausing, he glanced at Eneida. Was that to pathetic? That sounded pathetic.

He noted Kol conversing with someone in the crowd, feeling guilty that he didn't even notice his father's departure. Now, it was just him and Eneida. Together.

Gulping rather loudly (a disgusting sound from him), he turned back to her, studying her. He had realized that he came off as creepy, so focused his eyes on his paws. "You sure look lovely. I don't think that I had a chance to tell you." Raising his eyes for a moment, he let them drop to his paws. Gah, he was so humiliating. Who says that? "Er, your eyes haven't changed yet. They still remind me of land and sea," he continued, horror crossing his face for a moment.

Shut up, Chinook.

Clamping his mouth shut, he supposed he could excuse this behaviour. He could say that it was the adrenaline talking, or the exhaustion, or the loss of blood. Yeah, that would work! However, before he said anything, his eyes met his father's, who had finished conversing with a member of the crowd. Kol's own eyes were locked onto Chinook's, pure fear in them.

Kol was never afraid.

What was wrong?

Something was wrong. He could feel it in his father's gaze, as if he had just learned some horrible news. Who had he just spoken to anyways? Chinook narrowed his eyes, staring into the crowd, but the stranger previously speaking to his father was no longer there. It's as if they simply vanished. Slowly, he turned his gaze back to Eneida, nodding his head. "Even if so," he began, replying to her words on getting hurt, "I didn't like that you got hurt on my behalf." It was natural to feel guilty over it, and Chinook certainly did.

His body seemed to tense for a few moments when she mentioned him being mistreated. "You've noticed, eh?" Attempting to make light of the situation, he shrugged. "Everyone likes a chew toy," he added on, releasing a small huff of annoyance at the thought. Why was he picked on? Because he was easy and didn't meet the standards expected for him? Because he was Kol's son, only a small, weaker, scrawnier, humiliating version of him? Pah, he didn't understand it. However, he was also glad at having the part. He was strong in that sense, able to take mistreatment and harsh words. What if someone else was chosen? Someone that couldn't stand it? No, Chinook was grateful that it was him and not another.

Suddenly blinking, he turned to Eneida as she spoke of his eyes, a small flutter in his chest present. One small compliment was all it took for him to become flustered. "My eyes? I.. I suppose they do look like blue glass.. Because my eyes are blue so they would still look like blue glass if that's what you mean."

What does that even mean? Did that even make sense?

Eyes widening, Chinook slowly turned away from Eneida, hoping she didn't hear his words properly.

Idiot. Making up another language, are you?

However, luckily, he didn't frolick in embarrassment for very long, for as soon as he turned, he saw his father racing towards him, faster than he's ever run before. Chinook, managing to stand up, stepped forwards, confusion on his face. When Kol reached him, he glanced around, leaning into Chinook. "I've been found. You have to listen to me, and listen well." There was a pause as the King began to speak before Kol turned back to his son. "What-" Chinook began, only to be hushed by Kol. "Find an old dog. He goes by Frode, but that isn't his true name. He lives amongst the commoners and-" Another pause as the King spoke.

Chinook glanced at Eneida and back to Kol, not understanding entirely. "Slow down. What do you mean you've been found? Whose Frode?" He turned to the King, who was staring at him and his father.

"Seize Kol for leading the rebellion against us."

Chinook's entire body froze, chills racing up and down his back. Time seemed to stop as he processed this information, confusion etched in his eyes. Now it all made sense. His small comments. Why their den was located closer to the commoners. He didn't meet Kol's face, not until seconds after, and even then, he had no words. "You never told me this?" Chinook suddenly said, hurt on his face. "Why would you do this? Put yourself in danger like that? I don't understand.. I don't know why.." He was confused. So confused. Kol proceeded to lead the rebellion, knowing he had a son, and knowing that he could put them in danger? Who did that?

"I'm sorry. It had to be done. Find Frode, that's all I ask. Frode. He'll explain."

Chinook shook his head, eyes widening before his gaze snapped onto the King.

"Seize his son, too."

Kol shook his head, staring at Chinook and turning to the King. "No! Chinook didn't know about me until now. Please, leave him. He has nothing to do with it!" His father's voice crossed the entire place, hoping to reach the King. He only stood there, glancing around with confusion and shock.

His eyes landed on Anex, shaking his head. "Don't take him. I don't have anyone if he's gone," he mumbled, pausing as the knight told him to come quietly. "No, I-I had nothing to do with this! I'm innocent!" Backing away, he watched his father not move as he himself was seized. "My son knew nothing." Kol didn't even try to run.. To defend himself. Chinook stared at him, mouth agape and eyes widened. "You lied. You.. You betrayed me." It certainly felt like betrayal. His father didn't tell him anything, and now? Now, he was being taken away, perhaps even killed. He would leave Chinook behind, for what? A rebellion? Was it more important than him? He would risk his life for it? Risk never seeing his son again?

Anger filled Chinook's face now as he glared at his father, who looked down. "Forgive me. I wanted to do good, son, that's all." Chinook's gaze hardened. "You risked everything for it, including me." He couldn't understand. Why would his father do this? Pausing, Chinook backed away more as knights forwarded. "I didn't know about this!" He continued, speaking partially to the King, and partially to his father. Everything was happening so fast he couldn't.. He didn't..

"I choose Chinook as my Royal Guard."

His head snapped to Eneida, now even more confused if that was possible.

Everyone was silent until the crowd began to protest.

"Trialed for treason."

His father? So many emotions flashed through him. Turning to Kol, Chinook was now sad. Heartbroken, really. As if reading his mind, his father smiled. "I'll be just fine." He swore he saw a hint of pride in his eyes before he was taken away.

Chinook blinked, not moving. He could have said so many things to his father before he left. He should have told him that he loved him. He should have said something.

Instead, he watched his father slowly vanish from sight.

Glancing slowly at Eneida, he shook his head. "It's alright. Everything will be alright." He was in a daze. So much happened in so little time.

What was he supposed to do now?

How he wished to run after his father, or maybe try to persuade the King to have a change of heart. Instead, Chinook did nothing. Absolutely nothing. He didn't even try to stop the knights from taking his father. He hadn't even said anything. What was wrong with him? Why didn't he do something? Why didn't he say anything? All he had done was defend himself, not his father. Who did that? Who tried to put themselves before a family member?

He was an awful son.

Chinook raised his head, gazing around at everybody. He thought that he was the center of attention before, but now? Now, he was in the main spotlight. Everybody was staring at him the moment Kol left the area. Did they think he was part of this Rebellion? He had hardly even known about it. All he learned was from his father, which made sense now.

"One day, son, when you're older, take a walk to the commoner section. Take a look at all of them and tell me what you see. Behind smiling faces and kind heart you'll see poverty, starvation, weakness, and emptiness. They are the voiceless, and somebody must speak for them. With their ranks, nobody will listen."

He remembered his father's words clear as day. Back then, he was young, perhaps four or five months old. He wasn't sure what his father was ranting about, or what it meant, but now Chinook understood. Of course he did. It was so clear now. Why didn't he see it sooner? Why didn't he question it?

He had heard Eneida say something, but he was too lost in thought to even glance at her. It was all so confusing. He did hear her commanding orders. What she was saying, Chinook didn't know. He was focusing on his father and how he missed all of the hints. And who was this Frode individual? Where was he even meant to search for him? Didn't his father know that it would make him suspicious if he went to the commoners? Surely then everybody would think that he was part of the Rebellion. But could he simply deny his father's final wish to him?

Pah, he didn't know what to do!

Raising his gaze, Chinook paused as the crowd had seemed to walk forwards, circling him. Hopefully they could see from his gaze that he didn't know anything. That he had no part in any of this..

"Huh?" He asked, turning to Eneida, pausing as he listened to her words. She had asked if he could walk. Like a zombie, Chinook picked himself up, a few grunts sounding from his throat, but managing nonetheless. "I can manage," he replied, a little lost as everything finally clicked. He was the Royal Guard.

He couldn't help but wonder if she would have chosen him in the end if none of this happened.

Head lowering, he walked alongside of Eneida, his eyes glancing from the ground to the crowd, picking up their small words and comments. Then, glancing at Eneida, he watched as she ignored them, so, he followed suit. "I should have done more, right?" Lifting his head to look at her, he needed some sort of solidification that he had done the right thing, even though he didn't believe that he had. Shaking his head to himself, he frowned. Of course this happened to him. Everything bad always did.

Then again, he did become the Royal Guard, but look at what it cost him.

Feeling a gentle push, he glanced at Eneida and nodded. "Alright.. I'm sorry if I keep you behind." Apologizing in advance, he began to walk as if in a daze, his thoughts floating around like a cloud over him. "What do you think will happen to him?" He asked Eneida when they were a few meters away already and away from prying ears. "When will the trial be?" He had so many questions. So many worries. What would Kol's punishment be? Prison forever? A demoted rank?

He dared not think about the worse one. He couldn't even bring himself to let it cross his mind.

Clearing his throat, despite the circumstances, he knew that he needed to thank Eneida. "I owe you my deepest gratitude. You've done more for me in a few hours than anybody has done for me in my lifetime. I don't know what I did to deserve your kindness, but I appreciate it." And he truly did. Eneida and his father were the only ones that showed kindness to him.

It was at that moment that he knew what he must do. He would become the best Royal Guard for Eneida to repay her, and for his father, he would find this Frode individual and hear him out.

It was the least he could do.